June 2020 Chief Executive’s Report

Kiltipper Park About the Chief Executive’s Report Contents

South County Council’s Chief Executive’s Report is presented to elected members at Council 22 every month and details important achievements across our various departments whilst highlighting key statistics and images from events that took place that month. Statistics Report The report also highlights major news pieces and puts a focus on an area of the Council that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

06 HOUSING SOCIAL AND 24 04 LUPT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Finance Report Highlights from Land Use Planning and Transportation. 25

Images of the Month

ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE AND 08 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Features

14 ’S FIRST MEDIA PARK The Council has agreed to the sale of 48 acres at Grange Castle Business Park.

16 ROAD SAFETY DURING COVID Tips for drivers during the Government’s CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND five-step lockdown exit plan. 10 CHANGE MANAGEMENT

18 CELEBRATING PRIDE The Council flies the Pride flag at Council offices throughout June.

COUNCIL FOCUS 20 A look at the Council libraries’ Creative Studio plans for North Clondalkin.

ENVIRONMENT WATER AND 12 CLIMATE CHANGE

3 Eco-Cycle Counter There is one Eco-Cycle Counter in the functional area of South Dublin County Council, which is LAND USE PLANNING AND situated in Rathfarnham on the Grange Greenway. This cycle track is fully off-road and shares its TRANSPORTATION space with pedestrians. The results in use in comparison with last year are astounding as the Grange Greenway has experi- enced an increase of 65% in the number of cyclists during the COV- ID-19 lockdown period.

The landscaping of this pathway, as carried out by South Dublin County Council Public Realm, further creates a peaceful and safe environment, abounding with biodiversity. The Grange Greenway measures just under 1km and is a URDF Applications link from Grange Road in Rath- Two Urban Regeneration Development farnham to Barton Road East in Funding applications were submitted to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County the Department of Housing, Planning and Council. Local Government by the deadline of 29 May. The applications seek funding to de- liver new transport, utility and community infrastructure for Clonburris and Adam- stown to support the delivery of much needed new homes.

process for planning application Construction Resumes Planning Offices Reopen and Part 8 developments. In this context, customers will be facili- In line with the Governments tated and encouraged to engage Phase 1 plans to reopen the s of Monday 25 May, South in public consultation; plans and Country, construction projects Dublin County Council particulars for developments are have recommenced on-site. As A planning offices are open available at www.sdcc.ie. The part of this, construction has to the public during normal office public can make submissions restarted on the delivery of new hours. The public planning counter on Part 8s through the Council’s connections and bridges in the will provide access to planning Consultation Portal. In relation to Dodder Valley, on improvements applications and Part 8 documenta- planning applications, the Council along Monastery Road, the de- tion in a manner that ensures pub- is accepting fee payment by phone livery of a new road connecting lic health and safe social distanc- and third party submissions by post Belgard North to Cookstown Way ing requirements can be observed and email. and the delivery of a new part of by staff and customers. This will Tandy’s Lane in Adamstown. Nu- include provision for attendance by South Dublin County Council has Planning Offices Reopen merous private developers have members of the public by appoint- continued to assess planning The planning offices in County Hall also restarted their construction ment only, for an initial period. applications and make decisions on have reopened to the public. projects across the County. All them during the COVID-19 restric- construction projects must follow The Council recognises that the tions, where possible. As part of the strict social distancing require- planning function is a key ele- Roadmap to Reopening the Country, ments on site. ment in our economy and that site inspections will recommence public consultation is an essential in line with safe social distancing Construction has resumed throughout the County. component of the decision making requirements.

4 5 Physical Activity Programmes While COVID-19 has caused the postponement of sports pro- grammes with schools and in HOUSING SOCIAL AND community settings, as part of the national In This Together phase of the Community Response, our COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT teams in South Dublin County Sports Partnership (SCDSP) and our Sports and Recreation Office have been busy devising new and creative programmes to help residents of the County, young and old, to maintain physically active lifestyles as part of our overall health and wellbeing work.

During the initial phase of COV- ID-19 lockdown, SDCSP part- nered with local fitness experts to provide regular online fitness classes through Facebook includ- ing aerobics, yoga, Pilates and Marathon Families children’s athletics. The athletics Building on the success of the Mara- programme was circulated to thon Kids initiative, the Council’s Sports primary schools who were asked and Recreation team are now launching to promote the sessions amongst Marathon Families 2020. This initiative, pupils. Now SDCSP are running a starting in June, provides families with the four-week, virtual “Couch to 3k” opportunity to complete a marathon to- programme. This programme pro- gether during Phase 2 of Ireland’s Roadm- vides an easy, step by step weekly ap for Re-Opening as it can be completed plan to help people attain a goal within a 5km radius of a person’s home. of jogging 3km within 28 days.

Housing First vides long-term homeless persons with their own secure accommo- Aftercare Support s part of the Council’s dation, complemented by access The Council is conscious of the response to COVID-19, we to intensive, specialised support dramatic effect that cocooning is A have been committed to services. It is focused on ending having on older persons, people a range of supports for homeless homelessness for people who have with a disability and other vul- persons in the County. Our Home- been homeless for many years or nerable people, coupled with the less Unit has continued to engage who are particularly vulnerable possibility of people within such with persons sleeping rough and and the Council, with the support groups having difficulties access- in emergency accommodation of the Peter McVerry Trust (PMVT), ing the internet to participate in including accelerating offers of is committed to its implementation activities. accommodation to minimise and by offering accommodation that is mitigate against infection risks. A followed up by engagement with To combat this, SDCSP have key part of this response has been mainstream health, social welfare, partnered with Tallaght Universi- to provide ‘Housing First’ tenancies employment, and other services. ty Hospital and Stewart’s Care in to longer-term homeless persons Housing First Palmerstown on a pilot pro- with seven such tenancies offered Our Housing First work is in addi- The Council has continued to tackle gramme that provides a number since March along with a further tion to ongoing COVID-19 related homelessness during COVID-19. of mobile tablet devices. Exercise HAP tenancy also provided – these supports for homeless persons videos, information and other are in addition to two tenancies including enhanced emergency ac- supports are also downloaded on offered before COVID-19 emerged. commodation services, cocooning/ to these tablets for use. isolation facilities, social distancing Support is available for older persons, people with a disability and other The Housing First model is a par- measures, accelerated allocations vulnerable people. ticipant-led programme that pro- and re-let works.

6 7 Online Safety Classes Beginning on 20 May, online safety classes have begun to be delivered live by the libraries’ ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE AND fantastic education team to sup- port children in 3rd to 6th class to be smart digital citizens. Each TOURISM DEVELOPMENT webinar lasts twenty minutes and will have an optional follow-on assignment.

The sessions follow 13-year old Emma and 9-year old Eoin and cover a range of online safety issues that will encourage kids to solve different problems:

Week 1 - Get your CyberSafe check up! Week 2 - Social Media and Gaming Week 3 - Be proud of your Digital Footprint Week 4 - Do not believe everything History at Your Fingertips you see! History at Your Fingertips is a series of on- The classes take place on Wednes- line local history and genealogy activities, days at 12.30 pm for four weeks workshops and events by South Dublin and are repeated for a further four Libraries during June. Online talks include weeks due to demand. the History of Tallaght with local studies librarian Michael Keyes and recorded lectures from the Tallaght Historical Soci- ety’s archive. Find out more on www.sdcc. ie or South Dublin libraries’ social media

The Council is now tak- Phase 2 (8 June), are encouraged to Creative Writing ing applications for the apply now for the Restart Grant on South Dublin Libraries have cre- €250m Restart Grant www.sdcc.ie. ated an innovative opportunity for beginning and emerging writ- he Minister for Business, To avail of the Restart Grant, ers to engage on a one-to-one Enterprise and Innovation, applicants must be a commercial basis with a published author. T Heather Humphreys TD, business, be in the Council’s Com- recently announced that the ap- mercial Rates Payment System and: We have partnered with ac- plication form for the new €250m claimed poet and fiction writer Restart Grant providing direct grant • have an annual turnover of Brian Kirk to deliver a series aid to micro and small businesses less than €5m and employ of “writers’ surgeries”, where is now available online on all local between 1 to 50 people; selected participants submit a authority websites. • have suffered a projected 1,500-word writing sample for 25%+ loss in turnover to end critique and receive one-to-one The Restart Grant is aimed at June 2020; feedback. We offered eight, one- helping micro and small businesses • commit to remain open or to Restart Grant off sessions, delivered virtually with the costs associated with reo- reopen if it was closed; Eligible commercial businesses are via Zoom, to selected writers who pening and re-employing workers • declare the intention to retain urged to apply for the grant. applied. Sessions were delivered following COVID-19 closures. employees that are on The between April and May. Temporary Wage Subsidy Eligible businesses who have Scheme and re-employ staff stayed open throughout the crisis, on the Pandemic Unemploy- as well as those who are reopening ment Payment as business Creative Writing is just one of the online classes being delivered by South Dublin libraries. under Phase 1 (from 18 May) and recovers.

8 9 Learning and Development The Council has been working to adapt to the new working realities of COVID-19 in terms of delivering CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND accessible learning options to staff. Remote working and social distancing present particular CHANGE MANAGEMENT challenges in developing staff but also greater opportunities to in- novate and embrace new delivery methods. The pandemic provides significant time and opportuni- ty for developing our skills and knowledge to adapt to existing and future challenges in deliver- ing quality services to the public.

Online webinars and virtual classrooms are increasingly becoming key elements of the training solutions. The Learning and Development section has also developed an online resource that Council Meetings contains information and access to hundreds of courses by numerous The first monthly Council meeting held training providers which are all under physical distancing guidelines free of charge to staff. took place in May. The Mayor and twenty elected members selected by party leaders E-learning will ensure staff can and independent groupings attended the perform their duties safely and meeting in County Hall. Area committee to the highest standards while meetings and Strategic Policy Committee continuing their personal and meetings have also been taking place professional development. using Microsoft Teams.

of South Dublin County, the Mayor The Mayor’s Office during Annual Report 2019 COVID-19 can highlight and honour their hard work. Losing that aspect of The Annual Report 2019 was he office of the Mayor has the role during lockdown and the presented to elected members had to adapt to the current phased return is important as the at the May Council meeting for COVID-19 situation as much office of the Mayor is held in such adoption. The Annual Report is T high regard by so many citizens. of the social functions of the Mayor an important yearly milestone have been suspended due to the Mayor Vicki Casserly has, however, for the Council as it provides government’s physical distancing continued to promote the supports an opportunity to reflect on the guidelines. The Mayor is the First offered by the Council through significant achievements of the Citizen of South Dublin County and initiatives like the In This Together year just gone. ranks second only to the President campaign, through social media of Ireland when they are in South and has also led the Community Included in the Annual Report Dublin. Call multi-agency response. 2019 is information on Council meetings, key 2019 statistics, Mayor’s Office As such, the role of the Mayor often The Council is preparing to elect an ‘Our Year in Pictures’ section, involves many social engagements a new Mayor at the first annual The Mayor’s Office celebrates the financial information for the that highlight the diversity and so- meeting to be held under physical strength of community spirit in the year and more. On adoption, the cial cohesion existing in the Coun- distancing guidelines on 26 June. County. report is translated into Irish and ty. Meeting with the many groups It may be a different role during both versions made available on and individuals that contribute so COVID-19, but the importance of www.sdcc.ie. much to the great spirit of com- the office in leading the County has munity that exists in all corners never been more appreciated. The Annual Report highlights key Council achievements in 2019.

10 11 COVID and Climate Change The world changed in 2020. Covid-19 forced a global economic cooling. Social distancing and ENVIRONMENT WATER AND travel restrictions changed our lifestyles and will have lasting repercussions. The slowdown, however, has presented us with CLIMATE CHANGE many opportunities to reflect on and improve our habits and in- spire us to become more creative and resourceful.

Adapting to changes to travel arrangements has led to an uptake in cycling. Increases in the number of cycling journeys of more than 75% have been reported national- ly and cycle stores are struggling to keep up with the demand for new and second-hand bicycles.

South Dublin County Council is National Spring Clean 2020 continuing to expand and improve National Spring Clean, Ireland’s largest its cycling and walking network and longest-running anti-litter campaign, including greenways, which will now go ahead from 8 June. In 2019, provide a safe and stimulating en- 5,448 groups registered to carry out clean- vironment for journeys for leisure ups throughout the country and collected and commuting. As we attempt to an estimated 3,000 tonnes of litter. All kickstart industry and growth we those wishing to take part in the cam- can continue to aid in the recovery paign should register on www.national- of our environment. springclean.org or 01 4002219.

illegal dumping. Anti-Dumping Initiatives Water Conservation outh Dublin County Council 2. Litter Bins and Bring Bank Drinking water usage in the has recently received no- Monitoring through QR Codes Greater Dublin region hit a re- S tification from the Depart- – the Council will be installing cord daily high in late May/early ment of Communication, Climate QR Codes at Bring Banks and June at over 600 million litres. Action and the Environment, of the Litter Bins that the public will We all need to do what we can to approval of four projects as part be able to scan to alert us reduce our water usage to make of the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initia- when bins need attention. sure that there is enough water tive. The 2020 grant awarded to for essential use and to get us all the Council of €86,000 brings the 3. Two existing Bring Banks through the summer. total grant approval over the last will be identified for upgrade four years to €312,000. This year’s works that will form the basis Irish Water and local authorities approved projects look to address of future development of Bring are closely monitoring the water current waste/litter issues to im- Banks in the County. supply situation and will use prove these services. Anti-Dumping whatever measures necessary 4. Reduce Litter and Dog Fouling New initiatives are being put in place to manage the supply to ensure 1. Covert Surveillance of Dump- in Public Parks – Paw Fall and to combat illegal dumping. there is enough for everyone. ing Sites that will be identified Litter Surveys will be carried We are appealing to everyone to based on established patterns out in four of the Council’s conserve water and reduce wast- of dumping. The project has parks. The report will quantify age. There is further guidance commenced and the initial the dog foul and litter issues on water conservation on Irish weeks of surveillance have and highlight measures for Water’s website at www.water.ie. A water conservation appeal has been issued highlighted 26 incidents of improvements.

12 13 further 1,800 ancillary jobs. The initial of South Dublin County Council, said, investment in the development of the “This investment in Grange Castle Grange Castle media park by Lens Media is expected Business Park will greatly enhance the IRELAND’S FIRST to be €125,000,000. existing site and deliver thousands of jobs during the construction phase Speaking on the decision, Cllr Vicki and the operation of the media park Grange Castle Business Park is Casserly, Mayor of South Dublin Coun- itself. We are delighted to welcome a South Dublin County Coun- MEDIA PARK ty, said, “This initial €125,000,000 Lens Media to Grange Castle to join cil-owned business park promoted investment by Lens Media into Google, Microsoft, Pfizer and many in association with IDA Ireland to developing Ireland’s first media park more world-class companies.” attract major investment to South at Grange Castle Business Park once Dublin County. again highlights South Dublin Coun- A spokesperson for Lens Media said; ty’s ability to attract global leaders “The Grange Castle Media Park will Grange Castle has become a in enterprise. The economic impact be a world-class facility. Its size and location of choice for world-class of this decision will be enormous in specification will help to propel Ire- multinationals and is considered terms of jobs created and the revenue land into a major world-class player one of the leading business parks this will generate for South Dublin in the screen creative industries, in Ireland. It is home to interna- County Council to reinvest in the creating thousands of long term and tional companies like Pfizer, Takeda, County.” sustainable jobs for Dublin, and all Microsoft, Grifols and Google and over the country, as we re-emerge provides employment to around Frank Nevin, Director of Economic, from the coronavirus pandemic.” 5,300 people. Enterprise and Tourism Development

South Dublin County Council has agreed to the sale of 48 acres at Grange Castle Business Park to Lens Media Limited for the construction of Ireland’s first full-service media park.

lected members of the Council things, facilitate film, TV and digital voted unanimously in favour content production in 12 state of the E of the disposal of the land at art sound stages, along with 100,000 May’s Council meeting. The sale of square foot of workshop space and the 48 acres of land will generate another 100,000 square foot of office €26,400,000 for the Council to rein- space. vest in South Dublin County. The construction of the media park at The Grange Castle Media Park will Grange Castle is expected to gener- see the construction of the largest ate between 1,200 and 1,500 jobs. such facility in Ireland, a full-service Once complete, the park will provide Grange Castle Business Park media park which will, amongst other approximately 1,800 direct jobs and a

14 15 of the phased roadmap. regularly and before any long journey, and top up if needed. Government Roadmap • First of all, do you need to Take your car back to the garage ROAD SAFETY AND THE drive? Can you drive part of your if you’re topping up more than journey and walk or cycle the usual remainder? • Check your water levels to ensure The Roadmap for Reopening Soci- • Expect to encounter many more you have good visibility, and ety and Business sets out how the COVID ROADMAP cyclists and pedestrians on our always keep your screen wash COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted. streets and roads. topped up so you can clear debris The plan sets out five stages for • Be aware some pedestrians may or dirt off your windscreen unlocking restrictions, at three- step out onto the road to adhere • Check your lights, and if your week intervals. to social distancing rules on indicators, hazard lights, head- footpaths. lights, fog lights, reverse lights or The Roadmap is guided by a num- • Allow extra time for your journey brake lights are not functioning ber of over-riding principles: as some road layouts may have properly, get them fixed. changed to facilitate more cy- • Check your fuel levels before set- • Safe clists and pedestrians. ting out and make sure you have • Rational • Check your tyres prior to setting enough to get to your destination • Evidence-informed off on a long or significant • Fair journey. Stay safe on the roads everyone! • Open and transparent • Check your engine oil and use • Whole of Society your dipstick to check the level

You can find out more and down- load a copy of the roadmap on www.gov.ie.

We have now entered the first phases of the Government’s five-step lockdown exit plan. As restrictions ease, what new challenges might road users face?

ith lockdown having kept so many people at home Given how long it may have been W over the past few weeks, since many drivers last turned the key huge numbers of us have been left in their ignition, it is easy to overlook not needing to drive since the corona- a number of things that may be wrong virus pandemic took hold. with your vehicle and there is the possibility that problems may have If you are getting back behind the developed since you last drove. wheel for the first time in several Drivers need to be even more aware of weeks, there are some things that you The Road Safety Unit at South Dublin pedestrians and cyclists. are recommended to check before County Council has some tips for setting off on your journey. those that are moving about as part

16 17 • The South Dublin County Council up for Pride, flags will be flying high LGBTQ+ Staff Network was across the city and the LGBTQ+ com- Pride Flag founded in October 2017 and munity and allies will still be there CELEBRATING anyone who identifies on the to support each other. In the words LGBTQ+ spectrum who is directly of Digital pride “Pride isn’t cancelled, employed by the Council, or who we’re just bringing it home”. The rainbow flag, which has be- is a retired or former employee is come a universal symbol of hope PRIDE welcome to join. Membership is Digital Pride will take place from for LGBTQ people around the world, free of charge. Thursday, 18 June to Sunday, 28 June first flew in San Francisco’s United 2020. The Council is currently explor- Nations Plaza for Pride Day, • The Council has forged strong ing ways that we will participate. on June 25, 1978. It has six colours links with the Dublin City Council and was designed by Gilbert Baker, LGBT+ Staff Network. an openly gay artist and activist. He had been commissioned to design This year the Dublin Pride festival has a symbol for the LGBTQ commu- been replaced with ‘Digital Pride’. The nity by his friend Harvey Milk, the theme is ‘In This Together’. first openly gay elected official in California. Baker assigned a mean- Digital Pride 2020 the first Digital ing to each of the colours: red for Dublin Pride Festival with a fully life, orange for healing, yellow for interactive virtual and a sunlight, green for nature, blue for Pride Concert. Buildings will still light harmony and violet for spirit.

South Dublin County Council is flying the Pride flag in Tal- laght and Clondalkin for June.

ach June, South Dublin County variety of actions. In addition to flying Council flies the Pride flag over the Pride flag: E County Hall Tallaght and Civic Offices Clondalkin. We do this to show • The Pride flag is our support, and respect, to LGBTQ+ flown on 31 March for Inter- members of our staff, county, and national Transgender Day of wider society. Visibility.

South Dublin County Council has • Council policies, plans and staff demonstrated a strong and ongoing forms are equality proofed on an commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and ongoing basis. Raising the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag at County Hall the LGBTQ+ community through a

18 19 to promote inclusiveness and help young people to reach their potential. Young people can use the Creative Studio to:

• Record a music track, a song, create a demo. • Get some band practice in. • Deliver a Facebook Live event, be it a live music performance, an interview with a local celebrity, artist, historian, or even a poetry reading. • Record an audio or video pod- cast, which could be an interview, a lecture, a group discussion. • Record a video and upload to YouTube

The Council is grateful to DPER for the funding provided for this initiative through the Pubic Service Innovation Fund. The Public Service Innovation Fund is a competitive fund that aims to support innovative ideas from across public service organisa- tions and turn them into a reality The South Dublin County Council library service with funding available of up to plans to open a Creative Studio in its new North €50,000. These projects help Clondalkin Library in Autumn 2020. to add value to public service organisations and make what they do better for the public. It SOUTH DUBLIN LIBRARIES’ is part of the government’s Our Public Service 2020 framework for development and innovation he South Dublin The idea of introducing The in Ireland’s public service. County Council library Creative Studio is to engage T service has announced with younger people in par- The Council envisions that this plans to open a Creative ticular - energise them and CREATIVE STUDIO project would be extended to Studio in its new North upskill them in digital media, other library branches within Clondalkin Library in Autumn with a view to expanding South Dublin County in time. 2020 – with funding received their horizons on future Upon completion of the Creative through the Public Service career possibilities. Studio project in North Clondalk- Innovation Fund 2020 from in, we will critically assess and the Department of Public Ex- The new community library in evaluate its impact, strengths penditure and Reform (DPER). North Clondalkin was iden- and weaknesses to enable us tified as a priority in South to identify improvements and The Creative Studio is a free Dublin County Libraries’ De- suggest anticipate solutions to to use digital maker space velopment Plan. An expand- expanding the project to other facilitating the creation of ing youth population and a library branches. music recordings, podcasts, strong demand for services videos, digital stories, and from local schools and com- oral histories. At the centre munity groups underpins the of this space is a recording need for innovative services booth providing library pa- to be implemented for young trons with access to a variety people in this locality. The of audio and video recording new library will be ideally equipment and software. positioned as a key resource in the North Clondalkin area

20 21 APRIL STATISTICS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

22 23 FINANCE IMAGES OF THE REPORT MONTH

Pollinating in Corkagh Park

You can view the full Finance Report under the Manager’s Report headed item of the monthly Council meeting agenda.

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